“Don’t tell me the Democrats are our ‘saviors’ because I am not buying it – especially after they bought more caskets and more devastating pain when they financed and co-facilitated more of President Bush’s abysmal occupation [of Iraq],” writes Sheehan in an op-ed piece published in today’s San Francisco Chronicle. “The Democrats also are allowing a meltdown of our republic by allowing the evils of the executive branch to continue unrestrained by their silent complicity.”

Sheehan admits she was a lifelong Democrat “only because the choices were limited.”

“The Democrats are the party of slavery and were the party that started every war in the 20th century, except the other Bush debacle. The Federal Reserve, permanent federal income taxes, not one but two World Wars, Japanese concentration camps, and not one but two atom bombs dropped on the innocent citizens of Japan – all brought to us via the Democrats.”

“I will run as an independent because I find the corruption in both parties unhealthy, and I believe we need to have more allegiance to humans than to a political party,” she added.

Sheehan says the feedback she has received since announcing her intention to run for Pelosi’s seat – unless the speaker seeks to impeach President Bush – has been running about 3-to-1 in favor of her quest.

“I am concerned with many of the same things: same-sex partnership laws, the environment, health care, affordable post-secondary education, better schools, counter-military recruitment, poverty, AIDS research and cures, decriminalization of marijuana, and especially stopping war and ensuring real peace,” said Sheehan. “I think I agree with Pelosi on many of these issues, but the difference is, I don’t live in a mansion on the hill. Many of these issues have affected me and my family personally, and I am committed to fighting for the people, not the corporate interests.”

Sheehan, whose son Casey was killed in Iraq sparking her career as an anti-war activist, says she holds nothing personal against Pelosi, and calls their previous interactions “very pleasant.”

“However, being ‘against’ the occupation of Iraq means ending it by ending the funding, preventing future illegal wars of aggression and holding BushCo accountable,” Sheehan said. “Words have to be backed up by action, and if they aren’t, they are as empty as Vice President Dick Cheney’s conscience.”